Police chief attacks ‘disturbing’ timing of new complaint

Scotland’s senior police officer has hit back after a sixth complaint against him was referred to investigators almost a year after the incident that prompted the allegation.

Lawyers for Phil Gormley, chief constable of Police Scotland, said the referral of another complaint after such a time span appeared to be “contrived”. They dismissed the allegation as “spurious” and said he was “disturbed” by the timing.

Mr Gormley is on special leave while allegations of bullying against him — which he denies —are investigated.

The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) is investigating three complaints from Police Scotland officers. Another two complaints made last year are not under investigation.

The Scottish Police Authority (SPA) lodged a sixth complaint with the commissioner this week. It is understood…

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